Source: Eurosport
Benitez concern over Gerrard
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez believes Fernando Torres will be fit to face Birmingham on Monday, but rates Steven Gerrard as doubtful for the Barclays Premier League clash at Anfield.[LNB]Both players are likely to be given until the last minute before a final decision is made on their respective groin injuries, but the Spaniard maintains that he does not expect either to be selected for their national squads next weekend.[LNB]Benitez has held discussions with Spanish FA officials and believes he has a gentlemen's agreement that Torres will not be called up for Spain's home friendly with Argentina next Saturday, while he feels Gerrard has been sidelined for too long to be a serious option for England's match against Brazil in Doha.[LNB]"I have talked to the Spanish people, their technical director and their fitness coach," said Benitez. "They have talked to the Spanish manager and they all know that Fernando has to work hard with the physios to improve his condition.[LNB]"I have discussed this all with the Spanish staff, it is not an agreement but they know the situation and they know he should not be involved.[LNB]"I have not spoken to the England staff, but they will surely know that Steven has not trained for two weeks and clearly cannot be fit for a friendly."
